Main Information
SFIDA Sardinia
Overview
After our trips to Mallorca and Sicily, it is time to visit another remarkable Mediterranean island. Sardinia offers everything we look for in a cycling destination: dramatic coastlines, quiet inland roads, rich history, distinctive culture, and outstanding food and wine.
The Route
The trip begins in Cagliari, Sardinia’s lively capital in the south, before gradually working north while staying close to the island’s east coast.
Along the way, we explore an island shaped by centuries of conquest, trade, and cultural exchange. Sardinia is full of fascinating places to visit, from coastal towns and mountain villages to historic sites and scenic viewpoints.
Trip Format
We have designed this eight-day trip around just four hotels, so clients do not need to pack and move every day. The final three nights are based in Porto Cervo, in the heart of the Costa Smeralda, one of Sardinia’s most beautiful and unspoilt coastal areas.
Food and Wine
Naturally, the trip also includes time to enjoy Sardinia’s excellent food and, in moderation, its distinctive wines. The island is known for many high-quality traditional products, including Pecorino and Fiore Sardo cheeses, Carciofo Spinoso artichokes, saffron, Bottarga, and a wide range of local wines.
Extend the Journey
For those who want to make the experience even more complete, this Sardinia trip can be paired with the SFIDA Sicily trip, which starts on 6 May. Ask us about the options and advantages of joining both trips back-to-back across these two remarkable islands.
Trip Details
- Destination: Italy
- Duration: 8 days
- Dates: 16-24 May 2027
- Hotels: 3-4 stars
- Meals: All meals included
Travel Information
- Arrival: Cagliari (CAG)
- Departure: Olbia (OLB)
Options and Pricing
- Non-rider discount: 10%
- Rental bike: Available
- Rental e-bike: Available
- Price: €4,650.00
Ride Statistics
- Total distance: 688 km
- Average daily distance: 86 km
- Total climbing: 10,200 m
- Average daily climbing: 1,275 m
MORE INFORMATION
Pricing
- Twin room: 4,650 Euros pp
- Single supplement: 850 Euros
- Rental bike: 750 Euros
- Rental e-bike: 800 Euros
Own bike fee: 200 Euros. This fee applies to guests bringing their own bikes. It helps cover the additional time our mechanics and support team may need for inspection, setup, and repairs when bikes arrive in poor condition.
Payment terms
A deposit of 1,000 Euros is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 120 days before the trip begins.
Included
- Eight Nights of accommodation in 3–4-star hotels.
- All cultural visits.
- One SFIDA Cycling jersey.
Meals included
- Eight breakfasts.
- Eight lunches.
- Eight dinners.
Not included
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal hotel extras, such as minibar and spa charges.
- Tips for staff.
Support
- Experienced Support team.
- A staff-to-client ratio of 1:4.
- Fully equipped support vans are available throughout each ride.
- On-ride nutrition and supplies, including gels, energy bars, drink mix, water, fruit, tools, pumps, spare tubes, and tyres.
- A professional first aid kit.
Cancellation policy
In response to post-COVID changes in international travel, and in line with most hotels’ terms and conditions, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 120 or more days before the trip starts: Your deposit will be refunded, minus any non-reimbursable expenses.
- Less than 90 days before the trip starts: No refund is available. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the SFIDA Cycling trip costs.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you pay your deposit and book your international flights. Please make sure your policy covers the following:
- International flights.
- Reimbursement of amounts paid if you need to cancel for any reason.
- Damage to your rental bike (see our terms and conditions).
Reserving your spot
To reserve your place, the full deposit must be paid. Because hotels are now stricter about holding rooms for groups, we cannot hold or confirm a spot until the deposit has been received.
Itinerary
Arrival in Cagliari
After pickup at Cagliari Airport, we will transfer to the hotel, where there will be time for lunch, bike assembly, and final preparations for the riding days ahead.
Opening Ride
In the early afternoon, we set out for our first ride. The climb to Monte Cresia offers an ideal introduction to Sardinia: scenic, rewarding, and a memorable way to begin the trip.
Day 1 Ride Details
- Route: Day 1 route
- Distance and climbing: 55 km / 957 m
- Main climb: Monte Cresia
- Hotel: Phi Hotel Sighientu
This anticlockwise loop starts and finishes at our hotel near Cagliari, combining coastal scenery, lagoon views, and a steady inland climb.
We begin with a stop at Notteri Lagoon, near Villasimius, before continuing to Cala Sinzias to take in the vivid colours of the water.
From there, we ride north toward San Priamo for lunch.
After lunch, we climb the long but manageable Arcu e Tidu before descending back toward Cagliari.
Day 2 Ride Details
- Route: Day 2 route
- Distance and climbing: 120 km / 1,645 m
- Main climb: Arcu e Tidu
- Hotel: Phi Hotel Sighientu
Our longest ride of the trip takes us north from Cagliari to Tortolì and the nearby coastal resort of Arbatax.
We begin by climbing Arcu e Tidu from the opposite side of yesterday’s descent, then continue north through Tertenia.
As the route approaches the coast, the final stretch brings increasingly open views across the Arbatax peninsula, making for a scenic finish to the day.
Day 3 Ride Details
- Route: Day 3 route
- Distance and climbing: 136 km / 1,525 m
- Main climb: Arcu e Tidu
- Hotel: Hotel Club Saraceno
After two longer days on the bike, today’s shorter loop from Tortolì gives the group time to recover while still enjoying a scenic ride with a rewarding climb.
We leave Tortolì and ride towards Arzana, continuing steadily upwards to the plateau that links with Villagrande Strisaili.
From the plateau, we descend via Valico Strissali, returning to sea level before arriving back at our hotel in Tortolì.
Day 4 Ride Details
- Route: Day 4 route
- Distance and climbing: 65 km / 1,225 m
- Main climb: Valico Strissali
- Hotel: Hotel Club Saraceno
From Tortolì, we begin the day by riding towards Valico Strissali, a gentle 20 km climb that provides a steady and scenic start.
Across the Gennargentu Plateau
After reaching the summit, we continue north through the Parco Nazionale del Golfo di Orosei e del Gennargentu. For around 50 km, the route stays high on a plateau between 900 m and 1,200 m, offering an extended stretch of open mountain riding before we reach Orgosolo.
From Orgosolo, the final 20 km to Nuoro includes some additional climbing before we arrive at our overnight stop.
Overnight in Nuoro
Tonight we stay in Nuoro, often described as the Athens of Sardinia. The town has a rich cultural identity and several places of interest to explore after the ride.
Day 5 Ride Details
- Route: Day 5 route
- Distance and climbing: 97 km / 2,125 m
- Main climbs: Valico Strissali, Arcu Correboi, and Ianna Ventosa
- Hotel: Residence Hotel Grandi Magazzini
Leaving Nuoro via Lollove
We leave Nuoro and ride first to Lollove, widely regarded as one of Sardinia’s most atmospheric villages. Listed among the Borghi Più Belli d’Italia, Lollove is also known as the last remaining medieval village in Sardinia, making it a memorable early stop on today’s route.
Towards the Coast
After Lollove, the route turns towards the coast. On the way to San Teodoro, we pass through Posada, another attractive town that offers a worthwhile stop before the final stretch of the ride.
Finish and Transfer
The ride ends in San Teodoro. From there, we transfer by van to our hotel in Porto Cervo, where we will stay for the final three nights of the trip.
Day 6 Ride Details
- Route: Day 6 route
- Distance and climbing: 105 km / 1,070 m
- Main climb: Lollove
- Hotel: Grand Hotel Smeraldo Beach
A Distinctive Island Ride
Today’s ride is one of the most distinctive of the trip, combining a scenic approach to Sardinia’s north coast with a short ferry crossing to Isola de La Maddalena.
Ferry Crossing
We ride north towards the small harbour town of Palau, then board the ferry for the short crossing to La Maddalena. Although compact, the island has a rich history and is well worth exploring by bike.
Once on the island, we complete a 20 km loop before returning to the ferry and riding back towards Porto Cervo.
Day 7 Ride Details
- Route: Day 7 route
- Distance and climbing: 55 km / 735 m
- Hotel: Grand Hotel Smeraldo Club
A Scenic Final Ride
To conclude our riding in Sardinia, we head south of Porto Cervo for a scenic loop that offers a memorable final outing on the bike.
As with many of our trips, the final ride is deliberately shorter, giving clients time to enjoy a relaxed afternoon before departure.
Day 8 Ride Details
- Route: Day 8 route
- Distance and climbing: 55 km / 960 m
- Hotel: Grand Hotel Smeraldo Club
Departure Transfer
After breakfast, we will transfer to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport (OLB), aiming to arrive by 11:00 am. Please plan your onward travel accordingly.
